Are the parks better than the hotels?

[macraven]

Op you said you were at pbh drinking and doing pizza for almost 6 hours


Now were your thoughts of the hotel before or after the booze?

Usually things look better after drinks
Lol

 

[schumigirl]

Yes, but you said "Club" upper case without the work level, not club level.

MG

I didn't......the original poster of the word Club did...........

However, I think you knew exactly what it meant.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I didn't......the original poster of the word Club did...........

However, I think you knew exactly what it meant.

I had no clue what it meant. I thought it was the name of a bar or restaurant at the hotel.

MG

 

[schumigirl]

I had no clue what it meant. I thought it was the name of a bar or restaurant at the hotel.

MG

You have heard of Club Level at resort hotels though that Bumbershoot was mentioning. I assume you have stayed in hotels that offer such things.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

You have heard of Club Level at resort hotels though that Bumbershoot was mentioning. I assume you have stayed in hotels that offer such things.

Yes indeed... Have stayed club level at numerous resorts.
I simply thought that when someone said "Club is also good" they were recommending a bar/restaurant at PB.
Really nothing sinister about it, and certainly zero reason to lie about it.

MG

 

[schumigirl]

Yes indeed... Have stayed club level at numerous resorts.
I simply thought that when someone said "Club is also good" they were recommending a bar/restaurant at PB.
Really nothing sinister about it, and certainly zero reason to lie about it.

MG

Okaydoke.

 

[kirstenb1]

Typo perhaps?

$375 for pizza and booze

Did you buy bottles?

OP, I'm just stunned!! Our family stayed at RPR and ate at Jake's for about $100 for the 4 of us, plus tip. DH had a beer flight or two. I need you to break this down a bit. Did the pizza have some rare caviar topping on it? Or is this just a beverage-induced amnesia, as has happened to me on many occasions?

Anyway, I think I'm remembering you as a longtime DVCr, as are we (feel free to correct me if I'm misremembering). We stayed at RPR for a graduation present for our older dd. We loved RPR, and thought it blew WDW resorts away. I've never seen so many live orchids, nice touches at the pool, such as complimentary sunscreen, and poolside waitstaff just waiting to bring you food/beverages, as opposed to DVC poolside, which leaves a lot to be desired. Keurig coffeemaker in our room, deluxe samples of every type of shampoo, skincare, etc.

I'd urge you to spend a night at one of the US resorts, walk over to the parks, which is a leisurely stroll, as opposed to crowded buses, or driving your own car, and then let us know what you think.

 

[damo]

Underwhelming? I think not

 

[Maistre Gracey]

OP, I'm just stunned!! Our family stayed at RPR and ate at Jake's for about $100 for the 4 of us, plus tip. DH had a beer flight or two. I need you to break this down a bit. Did the pizza have some rare caviar topping on it? Or is this just a beverage-induced amnesia, as has happened to me on many occasions?

Anyway, I think I'm remembering you as a longtime DVCr, as are we (feel free to correct me if I'm misremembering). We stayed at RPR for a graduation present for our older dd. We loved RPR, and thought it blew WDW resorts away. I've never seen so many live orchids, nice touches at the pool, such as complimentary sunscreen, and poolside waitstaff just waiting to bring you food/beverages, as opposed to DVC poolside, which leaves a lot to be desired. Keurig coffeemaker in our room, deluxe samples of every type of shampoo, skincare, etc.

I'd urge you to spend a night at one of the US resorts, walk over to the parks, which is a leisurely stroll, as opposed to crowded buses, or driving your own car, and then let us know what you think.

Yuppers!! That's me! Although we did sell our DVC a few years back for various reasons.
I was drinking double Jack & Diets. I lost count of how many...

I would like to stay a night to give it a true test, but I now live 2.6 miles away so it's tough to justify.

MG

 

[macraven]

Yes indeed... Have stayed club level at numerous resorts.
I simply thought that when someone said "Club is also good" they were recommending a bar/restaurant at PB.
Really nothing sinister about it, and certainly zero reason to lie about it.

MG

You'll catch on to the lingo here

When we talk about club it is club rooms
A more expensive booking with different amenities that stay club

I have not heard anyone think club is a bar when at the darkside
This is a new one for me to read

Back in the late 60's / early 70's (46 years ago), If some one talked about a club is good, it was always a bar





Uo is a family friendly place geared to all at the hotels

 

[macraven]

Yuppers!! That's me! Although we did sell our DVC a few years back for various reasons.
I was drinking double Jack & Diets. I lost count of how many...

I would like to stay a night to give it a true test, but I now live 2.6 miles away so it's tough to justify.

MG

If you wanted to eat and drink all you wanted while staying onsite, would be good to stay onsite

If you just want to try out the parks then coming for the day would work also

You get a much better feel staying onsite for the total experience

And you avoid the mad dash to get to the parking garage when the parks close

 

[SharkyGoddess]

I'm a universal snob and have no qualms telling you that Disney is for those who enjoy micro managing every detail of every day, whereas universal is more for those laid back, enjoy ourselves types. If you are Hades bent on finding miniscule issues with universal, then nothing any one here says will sway your opinion.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

If you wanted to eat and drink all you wanted while staying onsite, would be good to stay onsite

If you just want to try out the parks then coming for the day would work also

You get a much better feel staying onsite for the total experience

And you avoid the mad dash to get to the parking garage when the parks close

Yeah, the wife and I eat out very often and we were looking for new places to check out. We figured this was a good opportunity to scope out PBH as well.

I'm sure one of these weekends we will break down and explore the parks, and if we enjoy them enough we will upgrade to AP's.

We actually did visit US once before, but it was soooo long ago I'm sure it's very different... It was 1992.

MG

 

[macraven]

Jakes has basic foods which many enjoy at rph
Ribeye is good and so are more of the dinners

They do rotate the menu during the seasons
Try that place for regular type of grub then go upstairs to orchid lounge for the drinks

Last time I did that the schumi's had to walk me to my room.....

Jakes closes at 1:30 am
At that time before closing, limited menu

The wok experience is great for me
This is at island dining room
(AP discounts allowed there)

Chef table set up and you pick what you want cooked

And you can return for seconds and thirds for one set price

In October last year it was only held on specific nights
They have a heavy pour there as well as jakes

 

[Robo56]

Maistre Gracey you came over to the Universal boards to it up a little.

I always stay at PBH. Rooms are beautiful, service impeccable, property beautiful. Will be back again in a few weeks.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Maistre Gracey you came over to the Universal boards to it up a little.

I always stay at PBH. Rooms are beautiful, service impeccable, property beautiful. Will be back again in a few weeks.

Not trying to stir the pot.... I'm trying to gather info about UO becacause I live very close. I want to take the plunge and buy AP's, and I *thought* visiting the flagship resort may give me some insight into quality and level of theming. When I was a bit let down on those accounts, I asked the question that started this thread. I realize they are not Universal owned resorts, so I was giving the parks the benefit of the doubt and not assuming the same.

I truly WANT UO to be awesome, as it would give us something to do on weekends other than Disney (which we enjoy, but I have my huge issues with).

So, not trying to stir anything other than my Jack & Diet.

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I'm a universal snob and have no qualms telling you that Disney is for those who enjoy micro managing every detail of every day, whereas universal is more for those laid back, enjoy ourselves types. If you are Hades bent on finding miniscule issues with universal, then nothing any one here says will sway your opinion.

What minuscule issue do I have? The only negative thing I said was PB seemed more like a Disney moderate. Pizza was awesome, service great, enjoyed talking with staff.

MG

 

[imprint]

I really really really want the parks to be great, and they probably are, but....

We visited Portofino Bay a few nights ago to check things out. We expected a resort similar to Disney's Grand Floridian seeing as though it's their flagship resort.
I was underwhelmed to say the least.

My question is- Will I be just as underwhelmed by the parks as compared to Disney?

The one hotel was a total let down from expectations, but I hear the parks are on par...??

MG

Just to get back to the original question...

The resorts at Universal are Loews properties and thus are not controlled by Universal. So, I don't believe comparing the resorts at WDW and USO will accurately predict if you would like USO. Telling us what you like and dislike about WDW would definitely give us an idea of your chances of liking USO. So, feel free to mention a handful of pros and cons, and I think we can get you an answer.

Having said that, since you live in the vicinity, get one day park-to-park tickets and check it out. The cost of two tickets is less than the single pizza and drinks. If you like the parks, then before you exit for the day, go to guest services and upgrade your single day tickets to annual passes. There's three tiers of annual pass, I'm sure one would fit your needs (if you indeed plan to revisit the USO parks).

If you do check out USO, then please remember to return here and report back. Your experience could help others making similar decisions.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Just to get back to the original question...

The resorts at Universal are Loews properties and thus are not controlled by Universal. So, I don't believe comparing the resorts at WDW and USO will accurately predict if you would like USO. Telling us what you like and dislike about WDW would definitely give us an idea of your chances of liking USO. So, feel free to mention a handful of pros and cons, and I think we can get you an answer.

Having said that, since you live in the vicinity, get one day park-to-park tickets and check it out. The cost of two tickets is less than the single pizza and drinks. If you like the parks, then before you exit for the day, go to guest services and upgrade your single day tickets to annual passes. There's three tiers of annual pass, I'm sure one would fit your needs (if you indeed plan to revisit the USO parks).

If you do check out USO, then please remember to return here and report back. Your experience could help others making similar decisions.

Agree with everything you said here, and you can bet I'll let you (the forum) know my opinion.

I'm looking forward to visiting, and I've read about Mardi-Gras which I'm very excited about.
Although I'm not sure HHN are my cup of tea, I may try that as well.

Thanks for a good post.

MG

 

[bchbetha]

I just don't think I understand...you live close, you can afford it, just go into the park and try it. Go with an open mind and have fun!